The research group originates from the Educational Leadership section within the Department of Teacher Education at NTNU and has external members from international and Norwegian HE institutions. The scientific underpinning is derived from pragmatist philosophy and critical practice theory, and impact is sought through co-creative activities for the purpose of bringing the fields of practice and research together to encourage innovation in the education sector. Studies of organizing and leadership in educational institutions seem to be predominantly centered around performance, effectivity and efficiency in education, and instrumental perspectives on organisational structures, -models and methods for the purpose of enhancing learning and knowledge development. The power dimension in organization and leadership appears to be underrepresented in international research on educational organizations, and there is more work to be done to develop critical perspectives on leadership and management within educational organizations.

Our areas of interest include institutions in higher education (HE) as well as compulsory education and preschools – spanning the public and private sectors. Through inviting and connecting scholars in research projects, shared publications, applications for funding and relevant education programmes, the research group sets out to build research networks across universities and international borders.

Aims and activities

The research group studies the significance of and import from power and critical perspectives on organizing and leadership in education organizations.

Innovation in the education sector through collaborative and co-creative activities with practitioners.